Accessories News

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’s DESK…Not only are the garment exports from Bangladesh and India complementary to each other, which I have been repeatedly emphasizing on, but now even the political concerns complement each other… The recent terrorist attacks and meddling in internal affairs of Bangladesh by ‘external’ forces is a sure sign of common interest among Bangladesh and India, which has for long suffered these interferences!The latest condemnations of the Uri attack by Bangladesh and call for SAARC boycott also serve a common interest, with both countries united in fighting a battle against terrorism… The objectives are clear and the agenda common.In reality SAARC does not even serve the basic purpose for which it was formed in the view of the fact that Bangladesh has bilateral agreements with India on many areas. It is also a party in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Initiative, which is a sub-regional architecture of countries in South Asia…, and in fact most of the countries in the gambit of SAARC.The signing of the historic Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN-MVA) whichencapsulates the spirit of economic integration will lead to free flowof trade between the BBIN countries. India had earlier proposed a SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement, but due to objections from Pakistan, an agreement could not be reached. Instead a similar motor vehicle agreement with the BBIN has come through, which enables vehicles toenter any of the four nations without the need for trans-shipment of goods from one country’s truck to another at the border.Also, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectorial Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) that talks about ease of trade in goods and services between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand is in the final negotiation stage.With buyers increasingly looking at the region as one sourcing hub, these agreements will only fasten the integration of trade and to the mutual benefit of all. Already many head offices of buyers are either in Bangladesh or India with the other country being a part of the sourcing operation.Buyers plan their visit to this part of the world with a clear agenda to cover the region as a whole and not just one country…; even the trade between the two countries is towards positive growth!Cooperation and not alienation, is the way forward and I think both Bangladesh and India are moving in the right direction!

EDITORIAL TEAMEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deepak

MohindraEDITOR Ila

SaxenaDEPUTY EDITOR Deepankar

ShyamCOPY EDITOR Veereshwar

SobtiASST. COPY EDITOR Sahil

SehgalCREATIVE TEAM Raj Kumar

Chahal Peeush Jauhari Satyapal Bisht Deepak Panwar

PHOTO EDITOR Himanshu Kumar

OPERATION DIRECTOR Mayank Mohindra

PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR Renu

Mohindra

HEAD OFFICEApparel Resources Private LimitedB-32, South Extension-1, New Delhi-110 049 (India) Phone: 91-11-47390000,E-mail: editor@apparelresources.comWeb associate: www.apparelresources.com

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Grandtex

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Denim Tekstil

Preview

6th edition: Vintage to Rule theRoost!What goes around comes around… The sixth edition of Denimsandjeans.com Bangladesh (to be held on October 5-6 at Hotel Radisson, Dhaka) with the theme – ‘VINTAGE RECALL – Denim Goes Back To Its Roots’, is a perfect testimony of the same! Lately, there is a strong inclination towards revisiting the past which has numerous brands and manufacturers look for denim characteristics which the jeans had in early 1900s, be it in terms of colour, looks, weave or even the slubs.Whilst there is a thirst for performance denims, with technical finishes or extra stretch and comfort, there is also a yearning for more authentic vintage denims, in look, weight and colour. Customers are asking for more defined twills with less flat appearance and fabrics with more characters in the warp…, is what Vicunha Textil, one of the oldest and well-known names in denim fabrics, has to maintain about vintage denim. Vicunha’s observation is echoed by Denim Tekstil of Turkey. “Denim fashion is returning to the roots. It has become very trendy to have vintage character like the 1970s blue and marble looks as such we have developed various products including different variations of blues to get in the flavour of vintage…,” the Turkish denim fabric giant underlined. However, Bangladesh-based Jamuna Denims Limited is not very sure if vintage is the flavour of the season. “There is no clear indication as such. We would have to wait further to get to know the actual trend…,” the Bangladesh denim fabric manufacturer maintained.Notwithstanding the contradictions, there is no denying the fact that the industry is increasingly looking at possibilities of giving the vintage character, which VINTAGE RECALL is all about!On the eve of the denim extravaganza waiting to unfold in Dhaka, Apparel Online Bangladesh interacted with the participants to get a lowdown on products & innovations (in design and developments) to look out for, as well their strengths that would benefit the clients.

Den imsand jeans . com B a n g l a d e s h

shades in line with the authentic and vintage denim.Offtcina: RECYCROM (colours to dye recycling 100% textile waste), REMOVER IND/J (substitute of Potassium Permanganate) and NOVAPRET NFC/LT (low temperature bleachable resin).Prosperity Textile: Bio-Stretch with 30%+ renewably sourced materials and 20% better recovery, C-Blend with multi-fibre blended technology to deliver ultra-soft hand feel (50% softer than 100% cotton) and seal denim comprising overdyed finishing to get a more saturated colour from black-on-black to blue- on-blue.Reliance: Recron® GreenGold (One of the world’s most eco-friendly fibres with one of the lowest carbon footprints), Recron® EcoD (brand of pre-coloured fibres that removes the need for further dyeing downstream and currently available in around50 shades), Recron®FeelFresh (Inherent anti-microbial fibres for denims that one can wear for extended periods of time without worrying about bad odour) andRecron®Kooltex (Moisture wicking for enhance comfort).Siddiqsons: Sustenance (this theme/story presents eco-friendly denims with authentic denim looks and includes one of Siddiqsons’ favourite fabrics that uses hemp to be more sustainable), Femme (this theme is all about femininity

PRODUCTS TO WATCH OUT FORAnubha Industries: New shades, special finishes and new weaves, suitable for the vintage theme.Archroma: Set of new brilliant blues – Ocean Blues (Diresul Pacific, Arctic and Caribbean) along with Earthcolor Denim (Earthcolorsare dyestuffs synthesised from redundant biomass).Denim Tekstil: To present 80% stretch with very low growth, 4-way stretch for maximum comfort and selvedge denim range both in rigid and stretch.Ha Meem: Differentiated products to enhance wearing comfort and experience like power stretch fabrics (50% & above stretch percentage)in 7.5 to 8 oz category made out of blends like cotton/polyester/modal, which forms the core of Ha Meem’s product pallet. In women’s category, the company is offering soft twist yarns, dual FX, T 400, Siro, etc., while novelty concepts like stay dark, cross hatch, rugged denim, overdyed in super stretches would be pitched for the men’s category.Jamuna: Products in various washes, both in dry andwet processes.Malwa: Products with vintage character in terms of the construction and also couple of new

and sensuality and the company’s favourite product under this theme is the delicate lycra-beauty, skinny decorated with lace flowers); and lastly, Space Explorer (performance and thermo cool fibres).Soorty: Various colours and innovations in performance and sustainability.Xin Gao: Bi-conjugate stretch filaments, i.e. CM800. CM800 conjugate filament is extruded from two polymers with a differential viscosity. When heat is applied to the yarn, the result is a spring like structure. It is available in white, semi dull and dope dyed shades.Vicunha: ILLIMANI (wide width 170 cm/100% cotton in 14 oz. This is a real authentic heavy weight high ridge twill with a soft handle making it a great option for ladies casual jackets), GROVER (wide width 170 cm/100% cotton in 10 oz – recycled cotton in glorious deep indigo with a ring in the warp which when washed gives great light and dark tones on a strong twill) and IGOR DARK (wide width 170 cm/100% cotton in 10 oz– recycled cotton available in wide width for improved consumption and is also competitively priced).

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, THE SOUL OF DENIMAnubha Industries: As a new company we keep a fresh

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Officina

perspective in our product offering by having a wide array of collections. Looking at the trends and our forecasts we roll out with collections every month. Our PD team works very aggressivelyon innovation and creating sustainable products.Archroma: We work exclusively to develop products and effects that combine innovation and sustainability as we understand that one cannot exist without the other. Price being a big factor, we think creativity, innovation and sustainability would gradually gain importance in the near future.Denim Tekstil: We have developed very high stretch fabrics to achieve maximum comfort. We have also been working on different dobby styles and also since denim is returning to roots, we worked deeply on the vintage story.Ha Meem: A large portion of our expenditure has been earmarked initiatives such as product differentiation, innovation andre-engineering, all of which act as business navigator at a time when denim has become an integral part of the fashion industry which works on 4 seasons in a year.

Jamuna: Our product development team comprises of some well experienced personnel from home and abroad, the strength of whichis the attitude and capability of these people.Malwa: PD is the soul of any collection and our mill fully acknowledges the importance of the same. As such our PD team apart from its research on trends works very closely with the marketing team who are directly in touch with the key leaders in our apparel industry. We look at PD cost as an investment essential in today’s ever-evolving fashion industry.Offtcina: We strongly believe in R&D as fundamental key of our daily activity and strength. We’re investing in developing eco-sustainable products to provide designers the newest technologies possible in the fashion industry.Prosperity Textile: We regard our PD team as the engine; the team is always looking for multiple possibilities of denim to make newand innovative products. Our strategy is to have some basic items as the quantity business, then we havepre-set budget for new developments, which is all about the right balance.

Reliance: Our PD team comprises people with complementary strengths in various downstream processes and combined knowledge base to effectively innovate and deploy new products in market.Siddiqsons: Our PD team stems from Siddiqsons’ dedicated fabric and garment R&D and design department that follow the worldwide trends meticulously to come up with the best of developments.Grandtex: The strength of our PD team is to challenge itself to continue coming up with new developments keeping with the trend andmarket demands.Square Denims Limited (SDL): SDL puts a lot of emphasis R&D and as such has hiredworld-renowned technician from overseas alongside talented young professionals locally. In fact SDL is one amongst the handful mills ofBangladesh who depend on their own development rather than customer- driven development, a common practice in Bangladesh.Vicunha: We have a very strong product development team because as a global entity we deliver the true global overview of the up and coming in trends.

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Soorty

BIGGEST STRENGTHAnubha Industries: Our biggest strength is to service our clients with the premium rope dyed fabric at the best price, at the right time. We offer one-stop solution for all fabric requirements with denim, linen, polyester and cotton shirting.Archroma: We focus completely on innovation and sustainability, but not as separated factors but as parts of the same development idea. Doing so, we intend to inspire the designers and product creators, providing them with new tools and a ‘thinking beyond’ perspective.Denim Tekstil: We believe in today's market; most important point is to not only to make the right product, but ensure timely delivery so that we always keep ready stocks of our collection to give faster service to our business partners.Ha Meem: Highly committed employer with sound financial stability and committed top management has made Ha Meem Denim grow consistently. Ease of availability of real time data from ERP, progressive business approach, efficient customer services, conflict management

abilities, and innovative & cost- competitive products have made our business sustainable.Jamuna: In-house backward and forward linkages are our biggest strength; we’ve world class spinning capacity, garments and one of the best garments washing department.Malwa: Extensive research & product development combined with efficient infrastructure and the team to convert ideas into bulk in the most efficient manner as per customer’s expectation and quality standards.Vicunha: Over the years we have invested in sustainability and this allows us to remain competitive and consistent in an otherwise volatile market. We have invested so much that we are now the world’s largest individual consumer of BCI cotton and can boast of most magnificent recycling system in which we create NO WASTE!Offtcina: We strongly believe in service and support to the customers as policy of our dailyjob while continuous Research and Developments on new process and technology is our mission.Prosperity Textile: Great price and performance denim fabric to clients all around the world with our

local service and in-time delivery backed by our production sites in China, Bangladesh and Vietnam (to come up by end of 2017).Reliance: Through innovations at the raw material, we make it easier for denim manufacturers to create specialty denims through cost- effective methods.Siddiqsons: Our biggest strength lies in our people and our teams because we believe bringing together the right human resources shows in our products.Soorty: Vertical integration from raw fibres to finished garmentand global presence are our biggest strengths.All the participants held high opinion about Denimsandjeans.com, which they feel contributed a lot in their growth and development. Such initiatives in Europe and USA have been promoting the industry since long. As far as Asia is concerned, Denim&jeans is doing a very good job in promoting the denim sector, underlined Soorty, while Ha Meem stated: “Such business promotional initiatives are essential as it creates conducive business environment and weaves a seamless fabric between manufacturers and the brands.

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Bangladesh garment sector to get a new ‘inspection cell'

Almost all garment factories paid Eid bonus: BGMEA

In a bid to keep with the international safety standards and compliance norms, the Government of Bangladesh has decided toform a new cell – The Remediation Co-ordination Cell (RCC), which will monitor the working of garment factories in the country.The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) proposed the Ministry of Labour and Employment to set up a separate cell that can take the responsibility of maintaining garment sector’s standard as Accord and Alliance will not be effective from 2018. Diplomats ofthe major RMG importing countries have also been advocating for the

establishment of a separate cell so that safety and security in the garment factories are ensured in future as well.The new RemediationCo-ordination Cell will come into effect from 2018 to look after the status and development of the country’s RMG sector, as per industry sources. The Inspector General of the DIFE will be the cell’s head.The Accord and Alliance have been working on improving factory standards and safety in the garment sector of Bangladesh since the Rana Plaza incidentin 2013 in collaboration with the Government and International Organisation (ILO).

Almost all the readymade garment factories in Bangladesh paid wages and festival bonus to workers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha barring afew, maintained the apex garment manufacturers body, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Earlier, the garment traders’ body identified around 529 readymade garment units which it felt were likely to encounter problems in paying the wages and bonus.“Of these factories, only 21 were identified as risky (regarding wage and bonus payments),”

told Vice President of BGMEA Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu to a Bangladesh daily. As to bonus, Babu maintained that that 95 per cent of the garment owners paid wages.“Around all the factories paid bonus while over 80 per cent

gave wages,” added President of Bangladesh National Garment Workers Employees League, Sirajul Islam Rony.Meanwhile, in a separate development, BGMEA expressed its deep shock at the loss of lives in a boiler blast at aGazipur-based packaging factory, recently. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, President of BGMEA Siddiqur Rahman sought all necessary steps to stop recurrence of any such accident and prayed for early recoveryof the injured while seeking peace and salvation for the departed souls.It may be mentioned here that at least 21 workers were killed and 74 injured in a boiler explosion at Tampaco Foils factory in Tongi BISIC industrial area of Gazipur.

Barring a few all the readymade garment factories in Bangladesh paid wages and festival bonus to workers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Remi Holdings' new unit in Bangladesh gets LEED Platinum certification

Conference on healthcare awareness held!

Bangladesh-based garment manufacturing company Remi Holdings Ltd., a part of Bitopi Group, has received LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council(USGBC) for its environmentally- sound production processes.Miran Ali, MD – Bitopi Group proudly announced,“With the production capacity of 15,000 pieces per day and workforce of around 1,500, Remi Holdings Ltd. has received LEED Platinum Certificatewith highest score – 97 out of 110.” He further said that the Group has invested around US$ 20 million in establishing the woven garments unit, which was recently inaugurated by Tofail Ahmed, Commerce Minister of Bangladesh, at Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ).Observing the overall activities of this factory, especially workplace safety measures, facilities for workers like medical services,

A conference focusing on the healthcare of the garment workers – ‘International Conference On Healthcare Delivery System For The Garment Factory Workers: Challenges And Solutions’ recently took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh.The conference was organised by Brown University Global Health Initiative, USA and Child Health Awareness Foundation, Bangladesh. State Minister forWomen and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki was present on the occasion as the Chief Guest.

day care centre and international standard green initiative, theUS Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcia Bernicat termed EPZs as role model for others during the inauguration ceremony of the unit.

The main objective behind organising such a conference was to bring all the stakeholders in the RMG sector under one roof to discuss the healthcare scenario of the RMG workers of Bangladesh and seek cooperation and partnership in providing improved healthcare services to them.Participants at the conference stressed on the need to strengthen healthcare facilities and spread awareness to reduce risk of diseases while stating that the women workers in many cases were unwilling to go for healthcare

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Senior Vice President Faruque Hassan; Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority

(BEPZA) Executive Chairman and Major General Md HabiburRahman Khan; Reza Ali, Chairman and Miran Ali, MD – Bitopi Group, among others attended the inaugural ceremony.

services, which at times impacts their work.Also, suggestions were made at the conference to provide affordable access to healthcare facilities to garment factory workers. It may be mentioned here that there are nearly 5,500 garment factories with around 4 million workers in Bangladesh where 70 per centof the workers are women of reproductive-age. Thus it becomes significant for the industry to provide proper information on health, nutrition and hygiene to the workers.

The main objective behind organising such a conference was to bring all the stakeholders in the RMGsector under one roof to discuss the healthcare scenario.

Adidas, designer and manufacturer of sports shoes, clothing and accessories, has announced its plans to set up a new footwear production site in Atlanta, USA by next year. The unit will be equipped with industry-defining, state-of-the- art facilities.Named the ‘Adidas SPEEDFACTORY’, the facility will allow Adidas to create products more quickly and closer to the US consumers, a major concern between retailers in the current scenario. The US facility will allow the sportswear retailer tosource and produce locally, limiting long shipping distances and driving the brand’s commitmentto sustainability.

Brian Cornell, Corp. Chief Executive Officer at Target believes, “Smaller forms are the answer to cement TARGET’s foothold amidst an ever-growing competitive retail market. Opening hundreds of smaller “flex-format” stores could

process home to America. We’re fuelling design at the ground level of creativity in Brooklyn and reinventing manufacturing with the first Adidas SPEEDFACTORY in Atlanta. This allows usto make the product for the

smaller stores already operating in major cities like Chicago and Philadelphia. The 50,000 sq.feet or less stores have enabled TARGET to establish locations into downtown areas where a big-box footprint isn’t possible. These

The first-of-its-kind business model advances Adidas’ consumer-centric approach to product creation, thus allowing the brand to decentralize production and react faster to consumer needs. Equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the US factory enables the company to create products in increasingly high volumes with advanced complexity in colour, materials and sizes.“For years our industry has been playing by the same rules manufacturing product remotelyin Asia. As the creator brand that challenges convention and looks to co-create the future with our consumers, we are obsessed with bringing all steps of the creation

be a major part of the retailer’s future growth.”TARGET, second-largest discount retailer in the United States,is planning to add nine more small stores this year and at least 16 by next year with 23

consumer, involving their input in the process and unleashunparalleled creativity and endless opportunities for customizationin America,” elaborated Eric Liedtke, Executive Board Member, Adidas Group.

specific formats could also work as potential pick-up points for the company’s e-commerce business furthering its presence in that growing sector as well.The stores do not have the same product selection as a typical TARGET store and are more targeted at the demographics of a specific market. “The retailer’s store inNew York’s Tribeca neighbourhood will have a focus on baby and kids merchandise to meet the needs of the area’s plentiful family population,” elaborates Cornell.It may be noted that Walmart Stores Inc. had already abandoned the strategy of opening smaller stores earlier this year and instead opted to focus on its supercentres and grocery-store-sized neighbourhood markets.

Adidas to set-up footwear production site in USA

TARGET to open 9 more ‘flex-format' stores this year

TARGET isplanning to add nine more small stores this year and at least 16 by next year...

Fashion retailer ZARA’s parent company – Inditex – has opened first ZARA store in Vietnam. The brand is considered to be the most successful among all Inditex’s labels and therefore the first preference of the company to enter any new market.Constructed keeping in mind the sustainability aspect and Inditex’s ‘eco-efficient store concept’,the debut store offers modish assortments of womenswear, menswear, basic apparels, and kidswear. These eco-efficient stores run on 50 per cent less water consumption and 30 per cent less

energy usage than the other regular stores, the company claims.The concept of eco-efficiency is one of the most ambitious plans of Inditex towards sustainability commitment. 54 per cent (3,778) of the retailer’sstores across the world are reportedly ‘eco-efficient stores’. The company is now aiming to turn all its stores into eco-efficient ones by 2020.It may be mentioned here that Inditex has been named the most sustainable company in the retailing industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, having scored 80 out of 100 points this year.

ZARA now in Vietnam

Tailored Brands Inc., leading specialty retailer of men’s suits, has announced financial results for the second quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016. The company’s total net sales decreased 1.1 per cent to US $ 909.7 million. Also, its retail segment’s net sales plunged3.4 per cent.In the reporting period, total gross margin dropped 2 per cent, due to decrease in retail segment net sales amounting to US $ 410.3 million.Operating income (on GAAP basis)

for the second quarter stood at US$ 59.6 million as against US $ 98.1 million in the corresponding period last year. For the six-month period, Tailored Brands’ net sales declined3.7 per cent to US $ 1,738.5 million compared to US $ 1,805.1 million in the first half of 2015. Retail segment’s net sales decreasedby 5.2 per cent. The company’s operating income (on GAAP basis) for the reporting period totalled US$ 90.6 million compared to operating income of US $ 153.4 million last year.

Tailored Brands' net sales down 1.1% in Q2 FY '16

Next Plc, UK-based multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer, has recently announced its financial results for first half of the current fiscal year ended July 30, 2016.The company mentions in its interim report that its revenue stood at Euro 1939.7 million as against Euro 1890.5 million in the corresponding period last year. In the reporting period, gross profit however dropped from Euro 644.5 million last year to Euro 632.2 million in the current fiscal. Operating profit of the brand stood at Euro360.5 million compared to Euro 362.0 million.In the course of next 12 months, the apparel brand plans to deliver a catalogue browsing mode with enhanced account management, order tracking and improved payment functionality along with addition of new products range such as sofas, furniture and flowers on mobile website. Also, the company projects to add net trading space between 2,50,000 and 3,00,000 sq. feet per annum during 2017 and 2018.Founded in 1864, Next Plc has its presence worldwide in UK, Ireland, continental Europe, Asia and the Middle East with around 700 stores, of which 502 are in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Next Plc unveils its interim report for FY '16

Kering, the French luxury goods holding company, owner of luxury, sport and lifestyle brands, has been awarded the ‘Gender Equality European& International Standard (GEEIS)’ label, in recognition of its efforts to promote equality between women and men at work. The award was presented by Arborus Fund, the leading provider of funding support for gender equality at workplacein Europe and worldwide, and Bureau Veritas, a global company

engaged in testing, inspection and certification services.Content with the acknowledgement received, Béatrice Lazat, Senior Vice President – Human Resources, Kering averred, “Furthering equality between men and women is a top priority for Kering. This GEEIS certification shows us our efforts have paid off and been recognised. Beyond the labelitself, which we are so delighted to hold, GEEIS enables us to identify areas in which we can continue to make progress.”

The award is aligned with Kering’s drive to promote gender equality within the Group which takes actions through Human Resources Policy, which aims to make the Group a benchmark employer for women; Kering Foundation, which combats violence against women; and films, particularly throughthe Women in Motion programme, which aims to support womenin the film industry, giving their contribution greater visibility and raising awareness of the necessity for diversity in the sector.

Kering bags ‘Gender Equality European & International Standard' label

The award is aligned with Kering’s drive to promote gender equality within the Group which takes actions through Human Resources Policy

The Hermès Group – French high fashion luxury goods manufacturer, has noted a rise of 13 per cent in its net income to Euro 545 million in the first half of Fiscal 2016. Its consolidated revenue surged 7 per cent at constant exchange rates to Euro 2,440 million. Operating income also zoomed 11 per cent to Euro827 million compared to Euro 748 million in the corresponding period last year.In the reporting period, Hermès’ sales by region at the end of June rose in all the regions worldwide, with 10 per cent rise in Japan despite the strengthening ofits currency Yen. Asia region excluding Japan witnessed 5 per cent increase and re-opening of the Liat Towers store in Singapore in May after extension and renovation. Continental China observed rise in sales despite the challenging scenarios in Hong Kong and Macao.The Group also posted 8 per cent rise in sales in America. Europe

also performed well with 8 per cent rise, impacting Hermès’ stores performance in the country.The ready-to-wear and accessories division of Hermès however registered a decline of 2 per cent in contrast to the success of the latest women’s ready-to-wear

and shoe collections. The silk and textiles business line plunged 7 per cent due to slowing sales in Greater China and America.Established in 1837, Hermès Group specializes in leather, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, ready-to-wear, etc.

Hermès' net income up 13% in H1 FY '16

Recently, Denim Project that produces garments made from 98 per cent denim waste haslaunched a kickstarter campaign to raise US $ 177,000 by September. The amount raised will be utilised in buying machinery, source waste fabric and convert it into fibreso that it can later be converted into garments. This project aims to save around 183,000,000 litres of fresh water. “The purpose of my engagement in Denim Project has, from the start, been to change our production, to show how ‘easy’ it is to save water and the environment. My dream is to set a positive footstep within my

Li & Fung, the global leader in consumer goods design, development, sourcing and logistics has recently joined the Foreign Trade Association(FTA) as its latest member. As part of the FTA’s sustainabilityservices, Li & Fung has selected its international trade policy services

reach. I think that should be the goal for everyone. Especially the ones fortunate enough to have kids,” informs Jesper Kejser, Founder- CEO, Denim Project.A great initiative to cut down textile waste, this campaign further focuses on sustainability as up to 15 per cent of fabric intended for clothing are wasted during the cutting process.According to experts, this estimated waste can provide every person on the planet three new T-shirts per year and contains enough water that could have supplied 25 million people annually, which equates to38.5 billion litres of fresh water. The Denim Project was founded to make

and has become a participant of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). “Li & Fung is committed to responsible sourcing and to its engagement with BSCI, whose benefits include, social audits of the supply chain, training activities and dialogue with stakeholders,” revealed the FTA.

a change by creating garments by cutting waste, thereby becoming the most resource-neutral denim brand in the world. All those fabrics that are discarded by brands is sorted

Currently, FTA has a membership of more than 1,800 businesses who are committed towardsmore sustainable trade and demonstrate trust in FTA, to prepare businesses for the challenges of the future. “With the proliferation of tradeagreements and new sustainability

out by colour, re-fibre and spun into yarns and then Denim Project adds 2 per cent stretch to the 98 per cent wasted fabric and designs a new brand line.

regulations, keeping on top of these important issues remains a continued challenge. FTA will help us maintain our knowledgebase in the EU and ensure we stay ahead of the market as it evolves,” informs Rick Darling, Head of Government and Public Affairs at Li & Fung.

Kickstarter campaign to raise US $ 177,000 for Denim Project

Li & Fung joins FTA

Cambodian garment workers' wage issue continues

Vietnam's minimum wage non-compliance rate lowest in Asia: ILO Report

In its recent letter to Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Labour, Cambodia, Garment Manufacturer’s Association in Cambodia (GMAC) stated that workers in the garment and footwear industry should receive a minimum wage ofUS $ 144.20 a month.While the garment workers unions calculated the minimum wage keeping in mind the cost of living studies provided by Government data in making their demand for US $ 179.60, GMAC has peggedits proposal solely on the rate of inflation, which would not lead to an

increase in real wages. Additionally, a new report warns that further wage increases will be hard to achieve unless higher prices are paid by retailers and brands.“Every year, GMAC offers a low figure and claims that the situation is getting worse,” commented Yang Sophorn, Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) and added that even if the factory closes,they always re-open it, and the minimum wage increases every year to ensure that workers can live. The US $ 144.20 proposed by GMAC represents a 3 per cent rise

Vietnam’s rate of non-compliance, in terms of minimum wage, in the garment, textile and footwear sectors is the lowest among seven garment-exporting countries in Asia, at 6.6 per cent, according to a new report by the InternationalLabor Organization (ILO). This rate is far better than the second lowest country on the list – Cambodia at25.6 per cent, and almost nine times lower than the top-ranked violator – the Philippines, at 53.3 per cent.The rate of extreme non- compliance in Vietnam, which suggests wageworkers are paid less than four-fifths of the minimum wage in the country, is 3.8 per cent and moderate non-compliance – workers paid between 80 per cent and less than 100 per cent of the minimum wage, is 2.8 per cent.“The depth of non-compliance is an important dimension because a worker being paid 99 per cent of the minimum is in a very different

situation to one receiving only half of the minimum,” stated Matthew Cowgill, Chief Technical Adviser, ILO on labour standards in the global supply chain, who is the lead author of the report.According to the report, the design of minimum wage systems,

including the minimum wage rate and the complexity of the wage structure, are important considerations for improving compliance.Vietnam has four regional minimum wages, ranging from VND 2.4 to3.5 million (US $ 108-157) a month.

The minimum wage levels are decided annually by the National Wage Council that includes representatives of the Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations.While praising the compliance rate in Vietnam’s growing garment, textile and footwear sector,Chang-Hee Lee, Vietnam Director, ILO warned that data should be interpreted with caution as the data used in the study dates back to 2013, whereas minimum wage had significantly increased inthe previous three years. New data is needed to see if the highcompliance continues even with the significantly increased minimum wages, he elaborated.Vietnam’s regional minimum wages increased by about 12-15 per cent on a yearly basis between 2014 and 2016 and will go up by 7.3 per cent next year, reports a Vietnamese leading daily.

F&F Fashion to set up garment manufacturing unit in Nepal

from the current minimum wage of US $ 140. The two proposals will serve as the beginning of the tripartite negotiations between the Government, labour unions and employer representatives to determine the wage for 2017.The minimum wage for Cambodia’s 6,30,000 workers has risen sharply in recent years, climbing 9.4per cent over the past 12 months to the current US $ 140 a month and unions are firm on pushing for an increase of almost 30 per cent to US $ 180 a month for the year ahead.

Bangladesh-based F&F Fashion has recently announced its plans to establish a large-scale garment factory in Nepal. With this venture, the company istargeting the export market in the US and Europe. On the contrary local apparel entrepreneurs in Nepal are still looking for various incentives from the Nepalese Government, citing low profit margin in the exports.Mohammad Mustafijur Rahman, Managing Director of F&F Fashion averred, “Our main aim is to set up a large-scale factory in outskirts of Kathmandu and the company is preparing to raise investment in Nepal to US$ 200,000 for the same,” adding, “Currently, we have been providing training to Nepalese workersfrom a Bangladeshi trainer and now we are looking for a land of

around 5,000 square feet to set up the factory.”With the investment of around US $ 50,000, the company is already running a small-scale manufacturing factory in Sorhakhutte and also has three outlets in the country.According to Mashfee Binte Shams, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, “FDI from Bangladesh will also transfer technology relatedto apparels in Nepal, helping the other entrepreneurs in the country to learn cost reduction so as to be competitive in the global market.”The Nepalese garment entrepreneurs believe that the duty- free facility extended by the US in 66 Nepalese products, including some apparels and travel goods, could lure more FDI for the production of apparel products in the country.

advance authorization scheme announced by the Centre last month.It may be mentioned here that India’s readymade garments exports in the fiscal year 2015-16 reportedly stood at US $ 17.1 billion whereas Bangladesh’s garments exports were valued at US $ 28 billion in the same period. Indian garment exporters pay onan average an import duty of 5 per cent in the EU while Bangladesh pays ‘zero’ duty. The additional reimbursement in the form of the Special Advance Authorization scheme will help to bridge the gap.Additionally, Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) has pointed out that duty-free import is allowed only on ‘specialty’ man-made fabric and not on allman-made fabrics, thus the move will not hit the domestic industry.

Import duty exemption to benefit Indian garment exportersIndian Government’s decision to allow additional (duty) benefit on import of specialty man-made fabric will immensely help in increasing Indian exporters’ competitive edge against Bangladesh and Vietnamby offsetting around 2-3 per cent import duties in the Western markets.“India has been losing to competition from other nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam because of higher labour cost, absence of cluster manufacturing and inabilityto attract women workforce to reduce labour costs. These countries have started to pose a serious threat by banking on trade agreements and low manufacturingoverheads, especially in the EU and the US,” said Ashok Rajani, Chairman, AEPC, which is organizing a nation- wide drive to spread awareness about the new special

Thai garment exports likely to decrease by 7 per cent

Chinese textile manufacturer opens new Knitwear Development Centre

Thailand garment exports are expected to decline by about 7 per cent to US $ 2.55 billion in current year with more Thai manufacturers expanding investments in Cambodia and Vietnam over the past four years to take advantage of low production cost andtariff benefits, reportedly states Vallop Vitanakorn, an adviser to Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA).Vallop further added that Thailand garment exports will grow strongly from neighbouring countries (Cambodia and Vietnam in particular) but not from Thailand itself. However, the rise in exports will not be more than US $ 3.15 billion in the current year, reports a Thai news site.33 Thai apparel manufacturers operating in Cambodia and Vietnam are likely to contribute about US $ 600 million in sales from overseas this year and it is projected that more garment

Zhejiang Xinao Textiles Inc. (Xinao), one of the leading worsted spinners of wool, producing machine knitting yarns for the sweater, outdoor, underwear and sock industry, has recently opened a new Knitwear Development Centre (KDC) adjacent tothe company’s headquarters in China. The development centre was inauguratedby Wal Merriman, the Chairman of Australian Wool Innovations and The Woolmark Company, and Jianhua Shen, Chairman of Zhejiang Xinao Textiles Inc.

The centre comprises of three main sections – a Research and Development unit, a training and education department, andtextile testing laboratories. While the R&D unit has laboratories and small scale processing machinery in order to conduct experimental trials, the training and education department hasa 100-seater lecture theatre. Besides, the fully equipped textile testing laboratories will support the Research and Development unit.At the inauguralceremony, Zhou Xiaotian, CEO of Xinao said, “Over the past

India announces enhanced support under MEIS to boost exportAs the exporters of the country are struggling to grow, the Government of India has announced enhanced support under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) of the ForeignTrade Policy. Department of Commerce has extended the support to certain new products and enhanced the rate of incentives for some other specified productsunder the scheme. The same has been implemented from 22 September.Rate for products added to the MEIS schedule withimmediate effect is between 2% and 5%. For most of the products it is 2%, like for plastic stickers for garments of polyurethane foam; for other articles of artificial fur, garments/made-ups/knitwear, etc. [as per ITC (HS) Code- 43040019] the rate is 3%. For garments of silk and other such products, the rate is2%. Additionally, for articles of apparel and clothing accessories made from wild animals covered under Wild Life Protection Act, the rate is 3%. For silk carpets, etc. the rate is maximum i.e. 5%.Introduced in April 2015, under this scheme exporters get duty-free scrip to import input goods, which go into the production of export items. With this, the total number of items covered under the scheme has been increased from 5,012 to 7,103. The total support extended by Government of India under the scheme has been enhanced from the present Rs. 22,000 crore to Rs. 23,500 crore per annum.

enterprises would expand businesses to neighbouring countries, with Myanmar a potential option.However, it is assumed that Thai garment manufacturers would still keep their investments in Thailand because of the skilled labour availability in the country. It is expected that in 2017, income from investments in neighbouring countries will account for 40 per cent of the total garment exports from Thailand.

couple of decades, Xinao has been very successful and has grown tremendously, but now it has reached a junction in its progression. To move ahead and bring developments in theindustry, we’ve decided to invest in Research and Development coupled with Training and Education to ensure that the success of Xinao will continue.”The centre is a result of close cooperation with The Woolmark Company, and other strategic partners, from the design, textile machinery, textile chemicals industries, textile universities and leading knitwear companies.

33 Thai apparel manufacturers operating in Cambodia and Vietnam are likely to contribute aboutUS $ 600 million in sales from overseas this year...

he highlight of the accessoriesTsection was the large-

scaleparticipation of Chinese accessories manufacturers represented by their Bangladeshi partners, which are looking at increasing their market sharesin Bangladesh. “What Bangladesh garment manufacturers seek are quality, competitive pricing and quick delivery time, and Chinese accessories manufacturers score very good in all these departments…,” maintainedA.S.M. Jahangir (Jewel) – Managing Director of China-based Strenlasun, underlining that the response received at the fair was good overall. “However, I would like to add that compared to previous editions, spot orders have diminished,” said Jewel, citing price difference between various exhibitors as one of the probable reasons forthe same. Md. Mohiuddin (Modhu), CEO of Jiashan Jiudi Button & Accessories Factory (another Chinese entity), speaking to Apparel Online Bangladesh also expressed happiness at the response received while maintaining that local availability of accessories to improve the clients’ lead time is leading more and more Chinese manufacturers to come up with own production units in Bangladesh.Alphan Guven representing chemical manufacturer Kaan Endustri from Turkey said the response received was ‘positive’. “We supply chemicals for denim washes; I am very happyat the response received so far,” quipped Guven while Sunny Chia Ta (Sales Manager) representing Taiwan-based Chroma ChemicalCorporation maintained his company sees huge potentials in Bangladesh and as such was attending the exhibition to generate new leads and clients. “Chroma offers competitive prices as well as quality assurance. In Bangladesh our clients are mainly

dyeing houses, printing and washing units all of which require direct dyes,” averred Sunny, adding, “We are also planning to improve our marketsin Thailand, Sri Lanka and India alongside Bangladesh, all of which hold very good prospects for us”.Madhavaraj M, Senior Manager at India-based Harness Group, which caters to the IT & softwarerequirements of yarns, RMG, chemical as well as processing and leather industries, while interacting with Team AOB maintained, “Enquiries received from prospective clients was encouraging but the previous edition was more productive in terms of attracting customers… We have been able to generate leads this time too.” Madhavaraj made a special mention of JJ Mills, Bangladesh, which hesays has been using Harness Group’s customized software since 2009 and with good results.NSL Textiles, a part of US $ 1 billion NSL Group from Hyderabad, India and a 2,80,000-spindle-strong company that offers a diverse range of yarns and fabrics, underlined that despite not many ‘serious’ customers visiting the event, NSL has beenable to generate encouraging leads. However, NSL appeared not very content with the overall arrangement and marketing of the event, which it felt was a big reason behind many prospective clients giving it a miss.Abdullah, Senior Merchandiser with Charkha Textiles from Bangladesh, a part of Pran RSL Group, visiting the exhibition maintained that he washappy with what he got to see in terms of yarns, fabrics and accessoriesin various stalls before bidding a quick adieu to Team AOB to catch up with some Indian fabrics suppliers, attending the event.

10th Dhaka International Yarn & Fabric Show ’16 evokes mixed response from exhibitorsAimed at encouraging the business community to play an important role in boosting the economy of Bangladesh further by assembling worldwide technology, machinery and raw materials at the doorsteps of the manufacturers, CEMS Global’s four-day 10th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show 2016 was held in conjugation with the 17th Textech Bangladesh 2016 International Expo and 25th Dye and Chem Bangladesh 2016 Expo, from August 31 at International Convention City Bashundhara, Dhaka, which witnessed participation of 1,050 companies from 23 countries, including about 90 companies from India alone in all the sections.

A.S.M. Jahangir (Jewel), Managing Director, Strenlasun

Md. Mohiuddin (Modhu), CEO,Jiashan Jiudi Button & Accessories Factory

Alphan Guven of Kaan Endustri (L) with a colleague

Sunny Chia Ta, Sales Manager, Chroma Chemical Corporation

Madhavaraj M, Senior Manager, Harness Group

The high energy Fiesta is a harbinger of excitement, encouraging free-spiritedexploration to unknown but welcoming locales that represent a bright orange shade that borderline on red. A strong and fiery, yellow-based red, the vivid Fiesta provides a stark contrast to the calming, softer nature of this season’s palette. Mugler offered a sensual off-the-shoulder dress with slits whereas, Tibi went for a casual yet striking look, using the shade only on the sweatshirt and styling it with wide-legged striped pants.

While the majority of spring/ summer palette trends lean towards calmness, a few diversions from the theme emerge that offer a contrast. With Buttercup Yellow designers reveal a shining beacon transporting its wearer to a happier, sunnier place where they feel more alive. Rochas went for an out-and-out look with a sunflower colouredcut-out coat, on top of a yellow printed dress. Adam Lippes put the shade in focus with oversized yellow pants in satin, worn with a navy knit sweater.

Fiesta

Buttercup Yellow

Weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, Serenity comforts with a calming effect, bringing a feelingof respite even in turbulent times. A transcendent blue, Serenity provides us with a naturally connected sense of space. Thom Browne merged this soft shade with other pastels, like pink and mellow yellow on a patchwork shirt and long skirt. Jil Sander’s interpretation was more basicas she paired a billowy-sleeved peasant top and a knee-length skirt boasting of gathers on the waist.

Serenity

A transitional colour that will take us through the seasons, Teak manifests as another strong neutral for the season. With its natural earthy quality, the softness and subtlety of thisshade creates a stable foundation when combined with the restof this season’s palette. Chanel presented a beautiful knit dress and matching sweater in the shade that made it give off a beach vibe while Red Valentino’s collection featured a leopard print satin skirt and a Teak coloured sweater on top.

Teak Brown

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